Mint is a common herb that is notorious for its prolific growth, and can easily take over other plants in your garden. However, it is also easy to grow and adds a delicious flavor to a variety of dishes. With over 600 varieties available, mint is a versatile herb that can be used in a multitude of ways. If you have a bountiful harvest of mint and are wondering what to do with it, here are some clever ideas to help you make the most of it:
Mint Tea: Dehydrate the leaves in a dehydrator or low-temperature oven, removing all moisture before storing them in a glass jar on the pantry shelf. You can also steep the fresh leaves in boiling water, add honey, lemon slices and ice cubes and enjoy a rich and flavorful iced version.
Mint Jelly: Spread it on toasted bread while whipping up a hearty lamb sandwich or pair it with roasted lamb for a tasty and tangy addition.
Mint Pesto: This garnish is great on pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and salads. It would also add a bright pop of flavor to your favorite Tuscan soup recipe.
Mint Popsicles: Refreshing mint meets cream and sugar in this popsicle recipe. Children and adults alike will love this addictive summertime treat.
Mint Ice Cubes: Add homemade ice cubes to your plain water to make it much tastier.
Mint Lemonade: Cool mint and sweet-tart lemonade make a perfect pair. Add fresh watermelon for the perfect summertime treat to sip on beside the pool or at the beach. You could even add rum and replace the lemon juice with lime to turn this recipe into a refreshing watermelon mojito – it just might become your go-to summer cocktail.
Mint Chocolate Leaves: Dip some mint leaves in melted chocolate, give them a few minutes to cool, and enjoy a sweet snack. You will feel light, fresh and surprisingly cool afterwards.
Mint Salad: Chop up a handful of mint leaves to incorporate into a salad, particularly a cucumber salad, to brighten the flavors and leave you feeling cool and refreshed on a warm summer day.
Mint Vinegar: Infused vinegar is all the rage, and it’s easy to make your own with a base vinegar, a few sprigs of fresh mint, and a few minutes to warm the vinegar on the stove. The end result is a beautiful vinegar to accompany freshly sliced tomatoes or tomato soup or add a pleasant kick to Bloody Marys.
Mint Extract: Create your own mint extract with mint leaves, vodka, and patience. The end result is a refreshing extract to use in baking and mixed drinks.
“Mint is the perfect summer herb that not only adds flavor and aroma to your dishes but also offers a plethora of health benefits,” states nutritionist Lovneet Batra on her recent Instagram post. With its refreshing scent, mint has been known to reduce stress levels by regulating cortisol levels in the blood. Additionally, the presence of antioxidant rosmarinic acid in mint leaves improves skin health by increasing blood circulation and preventing free radical damage, delaying the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Mint also aids digestion by stimulating digestive enzymes and increasing bile flow, leading to improved nutrient absorption and metabolism. And when it comes to cough and cold remedies, the menthol in mint acts as an aromatic decongestant, helping to break up phlegm and mucus for easier expulsion. So next time you’re in need of a refreshing summer herb, consider mint for both taste and health benefits.
In conclusion, the versatility of mint is truly amazing. It can be used in a wide range of recipes and provides a refreshing and cool flavor to your dishes. Whether you prefer mint tea or mint popsicles, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So why not try out some of these clever ideas and make the most of your bountiful harvest of mint this year?
